Sunday, September 20, 2009

Open for Business


Well and truly open for business, Orestes: Re-Examined has opened it's doors to our audience, last Wednesday 16th September. As ever, a mad rush towards opening night - but the company really pulled together, rooted themselves and gave a great first performance. It is always terrifying as a director watching an audience watching your show, and particularly with 'Orestes', as our audience is seated in traverse, in clear view of each other throughout! So I hid in the shadows, and tried not to mouth words, beat rhythms or nod appreciatively during the show.

On the opening of the show, it is always really important to give the show to the cast, so that they have total ownership over it. There was a real sense of buzz and excitement in the air, and it was clear that the cast were ready for an audience, ready to share and tell their stories. The first show was really tight, full of energy and purpose - I was extremely proud. We had a larger than expected house, and Orestes was acquitted. In fact - we are now at show 5 and he has been let off each time. We are left to wonder whether any audience might find him guilty. Thrilling that the cast are genuinely unaware of the outcome, and that they can experience the real feeling of anticipation and uncertainty.

And then we were storming ahead towards the heightened states of press night. Not before a cheeky birthday prank for Filip (our Deputy), who was lured into a believing that I wanted to change the pre-show speech into a jazzier, cabaret version. He took it brilliantly - a real sport!

After a warm up aimed to level everyone, I discovered queues of audience at the box office, the show had somehow been oversold, and there was a bit of a 'fraccas' regarding tickets, but we wedged, pushed and shoved, and there were quite a few folk standing at the back. But I'm pleased to say there was a real buzz in the air, and a truly engaged (albeit hot) audience. Talking to audience after the show, they reported on how immersive, clear and dynamic the show was. The show really lifted onto the performance plateau, and it was wonderful to watch the cast really starting to play, connect and try out new things. They weren't at all thrown by the size (and familiarity) of the house. In the bar after the show, lots of positive responses, questions and points for discussion.

And then the tough bit - where I have to slip away and leave the cast to do their thing. My least favourite part of the process, but really necessary. Back on Monday though - and from reports, the show has been going from strength the strength.

More soon...